Author: Ryan McKergow

Taking a leaf from Fiona Mullen’s earlier blog, I too was inspired by “Liquid Leadership” by Damien Hughes, the next book in the saga after “Liquid Thinking”. Its focus is on how everyone should and can take the leap to become a leader.

Recently I presented to other graduates at our organisation and called on them all to aspire to be leaders and proposed the self-realisation that I too was a leader.

So… what is it that makes a leader?

Personally I see a leader as someone who gives direction to others, while leading by example. What do I mean by this? I mean that they have to:

• Be bold and courageous, but also vulnerable at the same time;
• Be optimistic and/or energisers;
• Have a clear vision of where they are going; and
• Continue to communicate and reinforce why we are going there!

I also think that to just get by in this world, you should:

• Value your family, friends, and yourself first!
• Always be polite and respectful; and
• Do some good by changing the world, even if it is only in a small way.

Now you might be asking yourself, why should I bother to be a leader?

To put it plainly, this world needs leaders! You don’t have to be in a leadership position at work to be a leader. You could be a leader at work without the title, a leader in your home/family life, a leader when you’re playing sport or in a band, or a leader at your church!

Let me paint you a picture of a time when leadership is needed and how it applies to this world needing leaders.

Imagine that you are walking down the street with one other person. This person suddenly falls down and you rush over to help them. But what if there were 40 others in the street and that one person collapsed?

Everyone starts thinking to themselves, “Oh it’s ok. Someone else will help.” No one took the lead to help this person and that person could have been YOU!

This is why we need leaders in our world.

Ok, what can you do to become a leader?

I have two suggestions on what you can do, but obviously there are many more:

1. Tell someone that you see as a leader, that you want to be a leader and ask them how they have became one! You’d be surprised what they will do to help you if you just ask.

2. Make yourself vulnerable. Make the humbling realisation that there is always room for self-improvement and to learn something new. A good starting point could be to read “Liquid Thinking” and “Liquid Leadership”.

Let me leave you with a parting quote (from Damien Hughes book) about leadership and why you too can become a leader, even if you don’t think you have the influencing power….